Staff & Board

Darian joined Ignite Afterschool in 2023 as the Full-time Program Associate for Issue Education and Grant Programs.  In this role, Darian brings young people and others together to address barriers that prevent young people from participating in community-based opportunities that support their learning and leadership. He also helps support grantees in Ignite’s Believe and Build Afterschool Grant program.

Growing up on the east side of Saint Paul with seven siblings raised by a single mother, Darian has always been passionate about improving the lives of those around him. He spent his childhood attending quality summer camps, sports, and afterschool programs, which inspired him to create similar opportunities for other young people.  Since 2017, Darian has been actively involved in non-profit work and is best known for co-founding World Youth Connect, an organization that aims to connect young people around the world to work towards creating a better future. He also serves on a nonprofit board of directors and has been a grant reviewer for community grant programs.  Currently, Darian is a first-generation college student at Saint Paul College pursuing a degree in organizational leadership.

Devin joined Ignite Afterschool in May 2023 in order to support school-age care accreditation and continuous improvement. Devin has over 25 years experience in a variety of roles in the youth development field with most of her career in youth camping.

Currently, Devin holds the position of Program Specialist at Ignite Afterschool, where she manages the I-SAC program. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing accreditation and continuous program improvement (CPI) for school-age care programs. Devin's extensive background in youth development equips her with the skills and knowledge to ensure high standards and positive outcomes for the programs under her care

Hay Blute Paw, joined Ignite in 2023 as our Administrative and Event Planning Associate.  At Ignite, Hay Blute ensures that Ignite's events and network meetings are inspiring and well coordinated. She manages contracts and invoicing and ensures that all the little details behind Ignite's programs go off without a hitch!

Hay Blute's commitment to making a difference is inspired by her life experiences. Hailing from a refugee camp in Thailand, she arrived in the United States as a young child which shaped her perspective which is marked by resilience and determination.  Growing up as one of nine siblings, Hay Blute understands the value of community and the importance of supporting one another. Her personal experiences have fueled a deep-seated desire to empower younger generations, particularly within the Karen community.

In 2021, Hay Blute embarked on her nonprofit journey with World Youth Connect, channeling her passion into tangible efforts to create positive change. Now, as part of the Ignite team, she brings her experience and heartfelt dedication to the forefront, contributing to the organization's mission of making a lasting impact on communities.

As Executive Director, Kari ensures Ignite’s core work advances the organization’s mission, builds strategic partnerships, and support our Board of Directors. Please contact Kari with any press or media inquiries.

Kari joined Ignite Afterschool in 2013 to help build a strong, united voice for afterschool throughout Minnesota.  Before joining Ignite, Kari spent seven years at the City of Saint Paul advancing Mayor Chris Coleman’s bold educational vision, and also as director of Sprockets, the city’s afterschool network.  Kari has nearly 20 years of experience as youth worker, youth program manager and community organizer.  A contributor to numerous whitepapers and a frequent presenter at industry conferences, Kari studied youth policy and public and nonprofit management at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs and was trained at the Organizing Apprenticeship Project and the National Training and Information Center.

Keem is a dedicated, creative, and highly qualified youth development professional. He has over 10 years of experience working in the youth development field within both community and education-based settings. Keem has demonstrated expertise in leading, coaching, supervising, and working collaboratively with professional staff and youth. With a strong passion for high quality youth programs, Keem has developed a passion and love for training staff, and became an expert in building capacity in youth work professionals. He is accepting of all populations of diverse cultural, linguistic, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and has strong interpersonal, oral, written, and public presentation skills. Keem is driven by new challenges, is a lifelong learner, and is a student of the Ella Baker philosophy of servant leadership and supporting others.

As the Full-time Program Associate for Professional Development and Learning, Po is focused on developing resources and tools for virtual learning and in-person professional development opportunities.

Po has a strong desire to empower young people in his community. He spent the majority of his childhood in a refugee camp, where he and his family faced religious and ethnic persecution. He arrived in the United States over 12 years ago and has made it his mission to assist other Karen youth in Minnesota. Po joined Ignite Afterschool in 2023 and brings over five years of experience as a recreation leader where we coached soccer and mentored youth.  Most recently, Po helped to found World Youth Connect, a youth-led non-profit organization in Saint Paul.  When he is not at Ignite, you can find him at World Youth Connect supporting young people to lead in their community and working towards his bachelor’s degree.